Why My Son Will Not Be Participating In Traditional Halloween Festivities

Many children across America are eagerly going to bed tonight, as they anticipate tomorrow’s Halloween festivities. Now that I am a parent, i’ve found myself conflicted as to whether or not it’s appropriate for a Christian family to be participating in such an evil holiday.

Like any concerned parent, the first thing I did was research a few things, to better understand what the true meaning of Halloween is. It took less than five minutes of reading for me to feel sick to my stomach. The new knowledge that I have gained has left me utterly disappointed with the world we live in. I am left with a heavy heart. I know that I don’t stand for the things that take place on this day, but I am left with sorrow as trick or treating was such a fun part of my childhood.

Is preventing my son from trick or treating the right thing to do in God’s eyes?

1 John 2:15-17 says “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Things like trick or treating, easter egg hunts, and secret santa are all staple traditions across the country. If I take away trick or treating, should I take away the other holidays, that don’t abide to God’s will? Or by teaching my son the true meaning of these holidays and changing how we celebrate them enough in God’s eyes? Things that should be all fun and games, have turned into something dark with hidden meaning behind it all. I don’t want my son to feel left out as he gets older, but am I going against what God wants by allowing him to participate?

Like many churches mine provides an alternative event to trick or treating. We call it Hallelujah Night. This is a night where kids are able to dress up in appropriate costumes, play games, fellowship and worship the Lord together. What our church does is the exact opposite of what the enemy wants us to do. Seeing that this event is on the same day as Halloween, the money we use to buy costumes is still supporting Halloween as a whole. I wish I could sit down with God and ask him if ask him if participating in something like Hallelujah night okay? Is it still supporting something evil in His eyes?

Before your kids go out tomorrow night, ponder if trick or treating is right for your family and what you believe in. I’d like to hear from other Christian parents and what their stance is on Halloween, leave your response in the comment section bellow.